Official language Nepali (47.8%). The population is made up of numerous language groups. About 12 languages and 30 dialects are spoken. Administrative employees and those employed in tourism mostly also speak English.
Public Holidays
01/30/2022 Martyrs Day
02/18/2022 Rashtriya Prajatantra Divas (Democracy Day)
[*] All Nepali religious festivals and holidays are calculated according to the lunar year. Their date therefore changes from year to year.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free into Nepal in the following allowances: 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 20 g tobacco; 1 bottle (up to 1 l) of spirits/wine or 12 cans of beer; Medicines for personal use (unless there is an import ban) up to NR 10,000 value; canned food up to NR 5,000 value; fresh fruit up to NR 2,000 value each; 15 film for stainless steel cameras and 12 film for film cameras; 50g gold jewelry and 100g silver jewelry. (a) All baggage must be declared upon entry and exit. (b) One camera, cell phone, binoculars, telescope, video camera, tablet or laptop, bicycle, watch, stroller, import a tricycle and a portable music system duty-free. You can also import clothing, bedding and household items duty-free for personal use. These items are often noted on the visa and must always be exported again when you leave the country.
Import Restrictions
Only a certain quantity of poppy seeds may be imported. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Prohibited Imports
drugs; Beef; plastic goods less than 20 microns thick; a specific type of light bulbs; Items that violate current Nepalese laws.
Prohibited Exports
weapons and ammunition; industrial machinery and parts; Products from the forest, wild animals or their hides, horns, skins, etc.; drugs of all kinds; Images of the gods and goddesses Tad Patra and Bhoj Patra
Export Regulations
Items of archaeological or historical importance (older than 100 years) may not be exported. The approval of the Office of Archeology is required for the export of certain antiques. Further information is available from Nepal Customs.
Contact addresses
Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
Rue de la Servette 81
Genève
Switzerland
+41 (0)22 733 26 00/21.
Mon-Fri 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00. Visa Department: Mon-Fri 9.30am-12.30pm.
Business
Business etiquette
A shirt and tie or a light suit is appropriate. The best time to visit is between October and May. Business Hours: Sun-Thurs 10am-5pm.
Business contacts
Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Pachali Shahid Shukra FNCCI Milan Marg, Teku, PO Box 269, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel. +977 (1)536 20 61, +977 (1)536 22 18, + 977 (1)536 68 89. Website: www.fncci.org
Communication
Phone
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, the country code of Nepal is 00977. Most public payphones are located in Kathmandu. Also in some other large Nepalese cities there are a few public phone booths that can be used with phone cards. Phone cards are available at Nepal Telecom sales offices and in many shops such as duty free shops at the airport.
Mobile phone
GSM 900/1800, 3G and 4G in Kathmandu, Pokhara and in Damauli. Network operators include Ncell and Nepal Telecom. Network coverage is largely limited to urban areas. Roaming contracts exist. However, it may be worth purchasing a Nepalese prepaid SIM card.
Internet
There are internet cafes in Kathmandu, Patan, Pokhara and other cities. Some hotels, Nepal Telecommunications Corporation near the stadium in Kathmandu, private communication centers and Mountain Overland tourist buses on routes between Kathmandu and Pokhara, Pokhara and Chitwan and Chitwan and Kathmandu provide WiFi. Note: The Internet is subject to government censorship in Nepal.
Post office
There are post offices in most towns. Make sure the stamps are canceled in your presence. Mailboxes should not be used for important mail. The larger hotels also offer a postal service. The main post office in Kathmandu, near Dhrahara Tower, is open Mon-Fri 09:00-16:00.
